Tag: Customer Portal

The Evolution of eBusiness

According to Google research, 89% of U.S. marketers reported that personalization on their websites or apps resulted in an increase in revenue. B2B companies are forced to keep pace with customers’ digital preferences and high expectations now more than ever. Customers are comparing the B2B online experience to the B2C online experience and won’t hesitate to voice their opinions publicly. System delays, process inconsistencies, and a lack of personalization and customization are just what customers need to start packing their virtual bags.

We’ve summarized the findings of a recent study we conducted to understand how B2B buyers perceive the current eBusiness experience. The survey went out to 125 B2B buyers in the U.S. In this post we also discuss the urgency with which leading B2B companies must respond to the new digital paradigm across channels and devices. Lastly, we provide ideas and advice on how companies can change the game with next-generation customer portals developed with the one-to-one experience in mind.

The Research in a Nutshell

> Almost 40% of respondents ranked process issues as the top source of friction when conducting eBusiness

> Fifty-three percent of B2B buyers feel that companies are only somewhat responsive to their needs

> Forty-three percent of buyers believe getting things done easily is most important

> The retail industry was ranked #1 in providing the best eCommerce customer engagement

Getting to the Root of the Problem

These data help us identify the root of the problem. Hint: it’s not about your website; it’s about your entire eBusiness process and technology infrastructure. B2B eCommerce is inherently more complex than B2C, specifically for manufacturers, as they require heightened coordination and communication among systems and processes. But that doesn’t matter to customers who want to get things done quickly and efficiently. They only care about the experience they encounter and whether it meets or fails their expectations.

One common problem emerged among respondents regarding complications due to lack of automation in the order process. For example; let’s say John purchases 100 motor parts from a sellers’ portal. His purchase order generates a ticket that alerts the processing team via email. The processor enters the order into the system which kicks out an invoice. The invoice is then sent back to the customer for processing. This entire process could take days or even weeks because it depends on the bandwidth of the individuals. It also increases the chance of errors. Alternatively, a custom EDI integration would automate the process and take the onus off of the individual processor. With computer-to-computer electronic data interchange, this whole cumbersome, time-sucking process is seamless not only for the company but the customer too. Sellers can rest assured knowing that their multiplicity of documents are being processed and distributed automatically, saving corporations’ time and money.

Real-Time, Relevant Interactions

Inconsistent or insufficient information about products can frustrate customers who expect companies to have up-to-date information at the ready. Maintaining the integrity and freshness of your data is key to providing the latest and best information in real time. Real-time interactions including intuitive sales and service tools are a must for the on-the-go customer.

Integrating modern data analytics tools with your customer portal enables personalized communications via email and social media channels based on behavioral patterns. B2B customers appreciate gentle reminders and updates about the changes that affect them most such as order updates, product updates, and proactive notifications should a problem arise. Custom chatbots can also engage live customers to help drive sales.

Building the Next-Generation eBusiness Experience

Companies must adapt quickly and invest heavily in modernizing their IT infrastructures to be more competitive and responsive to customers’ expectations. Companies should seek out modern, customizable options for hardware, software, networks, IT resources and maintenance to optimize business performance, control costs, and improve the customer and employee experience. Integrating CRM, ERP (including the aging AS/400), inventory, data analytics, billing, content management, and other mission-critical systems are crucial to providing that seamless and personalized experience. Systems that don’t communicate with each other just won’t cut it in a customer-first world. Hosting your eCommerce platform on a private cloud is a smart and secure option. You may also consider a hybrid option that offers a consistent platform that spans data centers and cloud to simplify IT and deliver apps and information to anyone, anytime, anywhere. A hybrid option also allows you to scale the computing power and capabilities that your business demands without wasting onsite technology investments.

According to TechTarget, APIs have steadily improved software quality over the last decade, and the growing number of web services exposed through APIs by cloud providers is also encouraging the creation of cloud-specific applications, internet of things (IoT) efforts, and apps to support mobile devices and users. Integration of APIs such as sales tax calculations, shipping calculations, product catalogs, pricing, and inventory, enable companies to serve up information seamlessly. Simplistic site navigation, self-service, responsive design, and robust search capabilities are all fundamental elements of our era.

Building a next-generation B2B eBusiness experience requires a well-planned customer first strategy that leverages social, mobile, analytics, and cloud technologies to engage the busy customer. It also requires companies to modernize aging IT infrastructures to enable the optimal response to customer needs and preferences. The fact is you are now competing with companies that have crossed over from the B2C world to take a chunk of your business. Technology plays an integral role in helping you stay competitive. Ultimately, it will come down to how the customer perceives his/her experience with your business that will determine your company’s fate.